Gijon Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game

If you’re thinking about adding a little mystery to your Gijón trip, the Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game might catch your eye. As someone who’s seen a lot of city experiences, I want to give you an honest, down-to-earth perspective on what you can expect. This isn’t a guided tour with a lively guide narrating stories; instead, it’s an interactive adventure you run yourself, solving puzzles and chasing clues through the city’s streets.

What I really like about this experience is its story-driven approach, which turns exploring Gijón into a detective adventure. Plus, it’s flexible — you can start whenever suits you and go at your own pace. For puzzle fans or groups wanting a shared activity that’s a bit different from typical sightseeing, this can be an engaging way to connect and have fun. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that the game doesn’t involve much direct interaction with the actual city — some players might prefer a more integrated tour experience.

This experience is best suited for groups who enjoy solving puzzles, exploring at their own pace, and seeing a story. It’s also ideal if you want a budget-friendly activity (at just over $31 for up to four people) that doesn’t require a guide or large group. If you’re traveling with friends, family, or colleagues and love detective stories, this could be a neat addition to your Gijón itinerary.

Key Points

• Self-guided and flexible: Play anytime and go at your own pace, making it perfect for spontaneous plans or flexible schedules.
• Story-driven mystery: Engages you in a Sherlock Holmes-style plot, with clues, puzzles, and plot twists.
• Cost-effective: At around $31 for a group of four, it offers a fun activity without breaking the bank.
• Easy difficulty: Suitable for most ages, including families with kids, thanks to its straightforward puzzles.
• Limited city interaction: The puzzles are designed to be independent of city landmarks, which might disappoint those expecting a traditional city tour.
• Good for social groups: Works well with friends, family, or colleagues who enjoy a challenge.

A Deep Dive Into the Experience

How It Works

Once you book, you’ll receive an email with clear instructions on how to start your self-guided adventure. You’ll download the Loquiz app, which hosts the game — think of it as your detective toolkit. You can start whenever you please, making it super convenient if you’re arriving in Gijón later in the day or want a flexible activity.

The game lasts roughly two hours, during which you will follow clues, crack codes, and complete fun tasks such as photo challenges. The game’s story revolves around solving the murder of Balthasar, with digital characters guiding you along the way. You work in teams of up to four per device, which makes it a great team activity, though solo players are welcome too.

What You’ll Encounter

The game is set in various parts of Gijón, but based on the reviews, it seems that the puzzles are not deeply tied to the city’s landmarks or history. Instead, you’re sent to certain locations to unlock new clues—so don’t expect a guided commentary about Gijón’s attractions. One reviewer pointed out that “the puzzles don’t tell you anything about the city,” which suggests this is more about puzzle-solving than city exploration.

That said, some players found that the game took them to beautiful places they might not have otherwise visited, turning it into a sort of urban treasure hunt. If you’re after discovering hidden spots or taking in the scenery, this might be a bonus, but don’t go in expecting a guided cultural experience.

Puzzles and Gameplay

The puzzles are rated as easy, so it’s suitable for families or those who prefer light challenges. There’s a mixture of code-breaking, digital riddles, and photo tasks. One reviewer enjoyed the laughs and the fun of completing tasks with friends, noting that it “gave us a chance to see parts of the city we wouldn’t have otherwise explored.”

However, another reviewer mentioned that “the first mystery we tried to solve was not solvable,” which hints that occasionally puzzles might feel disconnected or frustrating if you’re expecting more context about the city itself. The game’s design seems to prioritize story and challenge over local flavor.

Price and Value

At approximately $31.07 per group, this is a pretty wallet-friendly activity, especially considering you get two hours of entertainment. Compared to guided tours with guides, this offers the advantage of playing on your own schedule and not needing a large group or a guide to keep things moving.

Some might see it as a good value because it combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and storytelling without additional costs once you buy the ticket. Plus, it can be played multiple times if you want to revisit or try different strategies.

Group Size and Flexibility

You can play with up to four people per device, which is ideal for small groups. Larger groups can simply buy multiple tickets, making it scalable for friends or colleagues. The activity is solo or team-friendly, so it’s versatile whether you’re traveling alone or with a group.

The Experience Environment

Starting at the Plaza Mayor, the game ends back where you began, creating a loop that keeps everything contained. You won’t need to worry about transportation, as the puzzles are designed to be completed within walking distance of the starting point.

What the Reviews Say

Looking at actual input from players, the feedback is mixed but generally positive when it comes to discovering new places and having fun. One reviewer said, “It’s a fun way to explore the city,” and appreciated the chance to see parts of Gijón they might not have found on their own.

On the flip side, another user was disappointed that “the puzzles don’t really interact with the place,” feeling it lacked city integration. That’s a fair point—if your main goal is to learn about Gijón’s history or landmarks, this might not be the best fit.

Pros

• Entertaining story and puzzles that keep you engaged
• Opportunity to discover hidden or lesser-known spots
• Flexible schedule, start anytime
• Affordable price for the value

Cons

• Limited interaction with the actual city
• Some puzzles may feel disconnected from Gijón’s environment
• Not a guided experience, so some might miss cultural insights

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This?

This Sherlock Holmes game is perfect if you’re after a fun, light-hearted activity that gets you moving and thinking. It’s great for puzzle enthusiasts, groups wanting a shared experience, or families looking for a different way to explore Gijón. Since the difficulty is rated as easy, it’s accessible to most ages, but it still offers enough challenge to keep everyone entertained.

If you’re hoping for a tour that dives deep into Gijón’s history, culture, and landmarks, then you might feel a bit let down. But if you want a playful, self-paced mystery that adds a bit of story to your sightseeing, this fits the bill well.

Keep in mind that it’s just a puzzle adventure — it won’t replace traditional guided tours but can be a creative supplement for a day of discovering Gijón with a twist. If you’re comfortable with a bit of independence and enjoy detective stories, this is a unique, budget-friendly activity that can make your trip a little more memorable.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, the game is rated as easy and suitable for most ages, making it a good choice for families with kids. Just keep an eye on the puzzles to ensure everyone can participate.

Do I need to bring my own smartphone?
Yes, you’ll need a smartphone or other compatible device to access the Loquiz app and play the game.

Can I start the game at any time?
Absolutely. Once you receive the instructions, you can start whenever it suits you, making it very flexible for your schedule.

How long does the activity take?
The game lasts approximately 2 hours, but since it’s self-guided, you can take more or less time depending on your pace.

Is this a guided tour with a person?
No, it’s a self-guided activity. You won’t have a live guide, but digital characters and clues will guide you through the story.

Does the game include city highlights or landmarks?
Not specifically. Puzzles are designed to be solved independently of city landmarks, so don’t expect detailed historical or cultural commentary.

What if I don’t solve the puzzles?
That’s okay! The game is designed for fun and to challenge you, not necessarily to be solved perfectly. You can always try again or enjoy the story without necessarily completing every puzzle.

If you’re a puzzle lover or someone looking for a different way to experience Gijón, this Sherlock Holmes mystery game offers a neat mix of storytelling and city discovery—just keep your expectations balanced regarding city interaction. It’s a playful activity that’s best enjoyed by those who love solving riddles and can appreciate a relaxed, self-paced adventure.